JPH11190232A - Motor-driven throttle device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance operability and reliability under a backup state by providing a throttle body with a valve-driving electric motor and its backup means. SOLUTION: A throttle body 1 is provided with a rotating device 5 which rotates according to the amount of operation of an accelerator pedal, its amount of rotation being detected by a controlled variable sensor 15. An electric motor 16 rotates a throttle valve 3 from one end of a valve stem 2 via a reduction gear mechanism 17. If the electric motor 16 has failed, a backup device 18 transmits the force of operating the accelerator pedal to the throttle valve 3 from the other end of the valve stem 2. In this case, when the overhanging lever 22 of a throttle operating mechanism 21 rotates according to the amount of operation of the accelerator pedal, the overhanging lever 22 is engaged with a throttle lever 19 provided at the valve stem 2, thereby mechanically rotating the throttle valve 3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electric throttle device which is suitably used for variably controlling an intake air amount of, for example, an automobile engine in accordance with an operation amount of an accelerator pedal, and more particularly, to an electric motor. The present invention relates to an electric throttle device configured to open and close a throttle valve using an actuator such as the above.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, an electric throttle device used for an automobile engine or the like includes a throttle body having an intake passage formed therein, a throttle valve provided to be openable and closable in the intake passage of the throttle body, and An accelerator detection device for detecting an operation amount of an accelerator pedal (accelerator operation amount) provided on a vehicle, and an electric motor provided on a throttle body for opening and closing a throttle valve according to a detection signal from the accelerator detection device. It is configured.

[0003] In this type of conventional electric throttle device, a throttle body is connected in the middle of an intake passage of an engine, and an accelerator detection device is connected to an accelerator pedal via a wire or the like. Further, the accelerator detection device and the electric motor are connected to a control unit for controlling an engine provided in the vehicle.

When the driver depresses the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is operating, the accelerator detection device detects the accelerator operation amount via a wire or the like and outputs a detection signal to the control unit. Further, the control unit outputs a drive signal to the electric motor using a detection signal or the like from the accelerator detection device, and opens and closes the throttle valve with the electric motor. Thus, the intake air amount of the engine is controlled in accordance with the accelerator operation amount and the like, so that the driver can freely accelerate and decelerate the vehicle by operating the accelerator pedal.

Further, when the electric motor breaks down, the throttle valve is not driven even if the driver operates the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle may not be able to travel normally. A backup device for driving the valve is provided in the throttle device. This allows
Even if the electric motor or the like breaks down while the vehicle is running, the driver can continue to run the vehicle with the backup device, and the vehicle can be evacuated to the shoulder of the road or repaired at a maintenance shop. Has become.

Here, as this backup device,
For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-150449, there is known an apparatus provided with an urging member for urging a throttle valve weakly in a valve opening direction. Thus, when the electric motor or the like fails, the throttle valve is held at a constant opening by the urging member or the like, so that the minimum amount of engine intake air required for running the vehicle is secured.

As another prior art, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-240835, there is an electric motor in which a throttle valve and an electric motor are connected by a clutch mechanism for backup operation. Type throttle devices are also known. In this case, when the electric motor or the like fails, the clutch mechanism is released, so that the driver directly operates the throttle valve with a wire for an accelerator pedal or the like.

[0008]

By the way, in the above-mentioned prior art, even if the electric motor or the like breaks down, the throttle valve is kept at a constant opening so that the intake air amount of the engine can be reduced to the minimum necessary. Is secured.

However, in this case, the opening degree of the throttle valve becomes constant irrespective of the accelerator operation amount, and the driver cannot finely adjust the running state of the vehicle. Therefore, when the vehicle is running by the backup mechanism, There is a problem in that the drivability of the vehicle is deteriorated and the driver or the like is uncomfortable or uneasy.

In another prior art, a clutch mechanism is provided between the throttle valve and the electric motor. Therefore, the electric throttle device includes, for example, a switching device for connecting and disconnecting the clutch mechanism, and a switching device. Switch, etc., is required, and the structure of the electric throttle device becomes complicated, so that not only the assembling work is troublesome, but also the reliability is reduced.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and the present invention provides a throttle valve that can be operated in accordance with the operation amount of an accelerator pedal even when the driving force of a valve driving unit expires during running of a vehicle. Can be variably opened and closed.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an electric throttle device capable of maintaining good drivability of a vehicle, simplifying the configuration of a backup unit, reducing the size of the whole, and improving reliability.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first aspect of the present invention is to provide a throttle body having an intake passage formed therein, and a throttle body rotatably provided through a valve shaft. A throttle valve that opens and closes the intake passage; and a rotation unit that is provided in the throttle body and that is mechanically connected to an accelerator pedal provided in the vehicle so that a rotation shaft rotates according to an accelerator operation amount. An operation detecting means attached to the rotating means, for detecting the amount of rotation of the rotating shaft as an accelerator operation amount, and outputting a detection signal; and an axial side of the valve shaft provided on the throttle body. An electric valve driving means for driving a throttle valve from the throttle valve, and an accelerator provided when the driving force of the valve driving means expires. Backup means for forcibly opening the throttle valve using the operating force of a dull. The backup means is provided on the other axial side of the valve shaft, and rotates the throttle valve together with the valve shaft. A throttle lever that moves and is provided on a throttle body together with the rotating means, and always allows the throttle lever to be rotated by a valve shaft, and operates the accelerator pedal when the driving force of the valve driving means expires. A rotation transmission means for transmitting a force to the throttle lever via the rotation means and forcibly rotating the throttle valve from the other axial side of the valve shaft is adopted.

With this configuration, the operation detecting means can detect the amount of rotation of the rotating means (rotating shaft) as the accelerator operation amount when the accelerator pedal is operated, and for example, a control unit for controlling valve driving. And the like. Then, the control unit outputs a drive signal to the valve drive means using a detection signal or the like from the operation detection means, whereby the valve drive means operates the valve shaft so that the throttle valve has an opening corresponding to the accelerator operation amount. The throttle valve can be opened and closed from one side in the axial direction. Further, when the driving force of the valve driving means has expired, the operating force of the accelerator pedal can be transmitted to the throttle valve by the backup means, and the throttle valve can be transmitted to the axial direction of the valve shaft via the rotation transmitting means and the throttle lever. It can be forcibly turned from the side according to the operation amount of the accelerator pedal.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the rotation transmitting means constituting the backup means includes a lever member provided on the rotation shaft, and the throttle lever always being driven by the driving force of the valve driving means. A rotation transmitting means for transmitting rotation of the lever member to the throttle lever when the driving force of the valve driving means has expired.

Thus, when the throttle valve is driven by the valve driving means, the throttle lever can be preferentially rotated irrespective of the position of the lever member, and when the driving force of the valve driving means has expired, the rotation of the lever member can be achieved. Can be transmitted to the throttle lever by the expired transmission means.

Further, in the invention of claim 3, the turning means has a wire drum provided on the turning shaft and connected to the accelerator pedal via a wire, and the turning transmitting means is An extension lever provided around the rotation axis so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the wire drum, and extending radially to engage with the throttle lever; and a wire for the extension lever and the rotation means. It is arranged between the drum and always rotates the extension lever integrally with the wire drum,
A spring for allowing the extension lever to rotate relative to the wire drum when the extension lever is rotated by the throttle lever in a state in which the extension lever is engaged with the throttle lever.

Thus, for example, when the throttle valve is driven in the valve closing direction by the valve driving means during traction control of the vehicle, and the throttle lever is engaged with the extension lever, the extension lever is opposed to the spring by a wire. The throttle valve rotates relative to the drum, thereby allowing the throttle valve to rotate in a direction opposite to the operation direction of the accelerator pedal. On the other hand, when the driving force of the valve driving means has expired, the rotation of the wire drum is transmitted to the extension lever via a spring, and the extension lever can be engaged with the throttle lever. In this state, the rotation of the wire drum can be transmitted from the extension lever to the throttle lever via the spring, and the throttle valve can be rotated according to the accelerator operation amount.

Further, in the invention according to claim 4, when the operation of the accelerator pedal is released, the overhang lever is located at a rotational position away from the throttle lever, and the driving force by the valve driving means is invalidated. When the operation amount of the accelerator pedal is increased in the state in which the wire drum is rotated, the rotation of the wire drum is transmitted through a spring,
The throttle lever is forcibly rotated in the opening direction of the throttle valve by engaging with the throttle lever.

Thus, when the operation of the accelerator pedal is released, the extension lever can be held at a position away from the throttle lever. Also, when the driving force of the valve driving means has expired, by operating the accelerator pedal greatly, the rotation of the wire drum can be transmitted to the throttle lever via the spring and the extension lever, and from the other end side of the valve shaft. The throttle valve can be forcibly rotated in the valve opening direction.

On the other hand, in the invention according to claim 5, the rotation transmitting means includes a drive lever that rotates integrally with the rotation shaft,
A driven lever that is provided between the drive lever and the throttle lever and that is rotatably provided on the throttle body side and that has an engagement portion that engages with the throttle lever; A link mechanism provided between the link mechanism and rotating the driven lever following the drive lever; and a link mechanism disposed between the link mechanism and the driven lever, wherein an engaging portion of the driven lever is engaged with the throttle lever. And a spring that constantly biases the driven lever in the direction.

Thus, for example, when the traction control is performed, the throttle valve is driven in the valve closing direction by the valve driving means, and even if the throttle lever pushes the engagement portion of the driven lever, the driven lever is linked by the spring. Is allowed, the throttle valve can be turned in a direction opposite to the operation direction of the accelerator pedal. On the other hand, when the driving force of the valve driving means has expired, the amount of rotation of the driving lever that rotates integrally with the wire drum can be transmitted to the throttle lever via the link mechanism and the driven lever, and the throttle valve is connected to the valve shaft. It can be turned from the other end according to the accelerator operation amount.

In the invention according to claim 6, the link mechanism is rotatably connected to a first link rotatably connected to a distal end of the drive lever, and rotatably connected to a distal end of the first link. A second link for transmitting rotation to the driven lever, and the spring is disposed between the second link and the driven lever in a state where an initial load is applied.

Thus, when the driving force of the valve driving means has expired, the amount of rotation of the driving lever can be transmitted to the throttle lever via the first link and the second link of the link mechanism and the driven lever. A large turning power can be transmitted to the driven lever by the link and the second link.

Further, in the invention of claim 7, the rotating means includes the rotating shaft, a mounting frame provided on the throttle body for rotatably supporting the rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft. A wire drum provided on a moving shaft and connected to the accelerator pedal via a wire, wherein the operation detecting means is mounted on the mounting frame and connected to the rotating shaft.

Thus, the wire drum can be rotated in accordance with the operation amount of the accelerator pedal together with the rotation shaft, and the rotation amount can be detected as the accelerator operation amount by the operation detecting means.

Further, in the invention according to claim 8, the valve driving means is provided with an electric motor provided in the throttle body in parallel with the axis of the valve shaft, and an output shaft of the electric motor and a shaft of the valve shaft. And a reduction gear mechanism disposed between the first and second sides to reduce the rotation of the electric motor and transmit the reduced rotation to the valve shaft.

Thus, the output shaft of the electric motor and one axial side of the valve shaft can be connected via the reduction gear mechanism, and while the rotation of the electric motor is reduced by the reduction gear mechanism, a large rotational torque is applied to the valve shaft. Can be transmitted.

[0028]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an electric throttle device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 14 show a first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an electric throttle device such as an automobile engine will be described as an example.

Reference numeral 1 denotes a throttle body which forms a main body of the electric throttle device.
As shown in FIG. 3, it is formed by means such as aluminum die casting, in which a throttle chamber 1A is formed as an intake passage communicating with a cylinder (not shown) of the engine.

Further, the throttle body 1 has a motor housing case 1B for the electric motor 16 located on one side of a valve shaft 2 to be described later, and an accelerator operation amount detection described below located on the other side of the valve shaft 2. A pedestal portion 1C for mounting the device 4 is formed integrally, and these are disposed at positions separated from the throttle chamber 1A by a certain dimension. Further, the throttle body 1 has a gear case 1D located at one end of the valve shaft 2.
And a sensor case 1E integrally formed at the other end of the valve shaft 2, and a cover 1F is detachably attached to the gear case 1D.

Numeral 2 denotes a valve shaft rotatably provided on the throttle body 1 via a bearing or the like. The valve shaft 2 extends through the inside of the throttle chamber 1A of the throttle body 1 in the radial direction. It is arranged along the axis XX shown therein. One end of the valve shaft 2 projects into the gear case 1D, and the other end projects toward the sensor case 1E.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a throttle valve rotatably provided in a throttle chamber 1A of the throttle body 1 via a valve shaft 2. The throttle valve 3 is formed of a circular valve plate corresponding to the inner diameter of the throttle chamber 1A. And is integrated with the longitudinal middle part of the valve shaft 2. The throttle valve 3 is rotated together with the valve shaft 2 between a valve closing position shown in FIG. 11 and a fully open position shown in FIG. 13, and variably adjusts the intake air amount of the engine according to the opening degree. It is.

Reference numeral 4 denotes an accelerator operation amount detecting device attached to the pedestal portion 1C of the throttle body 1. The accelerator operation amount detecting device 4 includes, as shown in FIGS. And an amount sensor 15.
In addition, the accelerator operation amount detection device 4 is provided with an axis X-
It is arranged on the opposite side to a reduction gear mechanism 17 described later with respect to the electric motor 16 with respect to the X direction.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a turning device as turning means provided on the throttle body 1. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the turning device 5 includes a mounting frame 6, a turning shaft 9, and a wire, which will be described later. It comprises a drum 10, a return spring 13, and the like.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a mounting frame which forms a main body of the rotating device 5. The mounting frame 6 is mounted on a pedestal portion 1C of the throttle body 1 using respective mounting bolts 7 and the like, and is a detachably provided flat plate. It comprises a mounting portion 6A in the shape of a circle and two support portions 6B, 6C and the like protrudingly provided on the mounting portion 6A with an interval in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 9.

The wire drum 1 is mounted on the mounting portion 6A.
An adjustment screw 8 for adjusting the zero minimum rotation position is provided. Furthermore, a stopper 6D (see FIG. 6) for the wire drum 10 and a protrusion 6E for the return spring 13 are integrally provided on the support 6B located on one side in the axial direction among the supports 6B and 6C. Have been. In addition, the supporting portion 6C on the other side includes:
As shown in FIG. 5, a cylindrical bearing 6F protruding in the axial direction is integrally formed.

Reference numeral 9 denotes a rotating shaft rotatably provided on the supporting portions 6B and 6C of the mounting frame 6 via bearings or the like. The rotating shaft 9 is a stepped metal rod as shown in FIG. And extends substantially parallel to the valve shaft 2. A return spring 13 is provided at one end of the rotating shaft 9, and the other end protrudes toward the operation amount sensor 15 via the support 6C.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a wire drum fitted around the outer periphery of the rotating shaft 9 in a detented state.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, it is rotatably mounted on the mounting frame 6 via a rotating shaft 9. Also, the wire drum 10 has a stopper 10 for determining its minimum rotation position.
A, a stopper 10B for determining the maximum rotation position, and a stopper 10C for the extension lever 22 described later are integrally provided. The stoppers 10A, 10B, and 10C extend in the radial direction at different positions, and have an L-shaped distal end and are bent in the axial direction. Further, the wire drum 10
Is wound around an outer peripheral side of a wire 12 extending from an accelerator pedal 11 provided on the vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the driver releases the operation of the accelerator pedal 11, the wire drum 10 is adjusted by the urging force of the return spring 13 so that the minimum stopper 10 A is adjusted on the mounting frame 6 side. It abuts on the screw 8, whereby the wire drum 10 is held in the minimum pivot position.

When the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 11, the wire drum 10
, And the return spring 1 is rotated so as to have a rotation angle corresponding to the operation amount of the accelerator pedal 11 (accelerator operation amount).
7 in the direction of arrow A1 in FIG. In this case, the driver uses the accelerator pedal 11
Is operated to the maximum position, the stopper 10B is rotated to the maximum opening position where it comes into contact with the stopper 6D of the mounting frame 6.

A return spring 13 is mounted on the outer periphery of one end of the rotating shaft 9 via a spring holding member or the like.
As shown in FIG. 4, one end is attached to the rotating shaft 9 via a substantially L-shaped stopper plate 14, and the other end is attached to the projection 6 </ b> E of the attachment frame 6. And
The return spring 13 urges the wire drum 10 against the mounting frame 6 in the direction of arrow A2 in FIG.

Reference numeral 15 denotes an operation amount sensor as operation detection means constituted by a potentiometer or the like. The operation amount sensor 15 is, as shown in FIGS.
And connected to a control unit 28 to be described later via a connector 15A or the like. The operation amount sensor 15 detects the rotation angle of the wire drum 10 as the accelerator operation amount from the other end of the rotation shaft 9,
The detection signal is output to the control unit 28.

Reference numeral 16 denotes, for example, a DC-type electric motor housed in a motor housing case 1B of the throttle body 1.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electric motor 16 is arranged in parallel with the axis XX of the valve shaft 2, the output shaft 16A is arranged along the axis YY, and the throttle body 1 Of the gear case 1D. Here, the axis YY of the output shaft 16 </ b> A extends substantially parallel to the axis XX at a position separated from the axis XX of the valve shaft 2 by the dimension L in the radial direction.

The electric motor 16 drives the output shaft 16A to rotate in response to a drive signal from the control unit 28, and moves the throttle valve 3 from one end of the valve shaft 2 through the reduction gear mechanism 17 in FIG. Rotate in the direction of arrow B1 (valve opening direction) or in the direction of arrow B2 (valve closing direction). That is, the electric motor 16 and the reduction gear mechanism 17 constitute valve driving means for driving the throttle valve 3 to open and close.

Reference numeral 17 denotes a reduction gear mechanism disposed between the output shaft 16A of the electric motor 16 and one end of the valve shaft 2. The reduction gear mechanism 17 includes, for example, three gears as shown in FIG. 17A, 17B, 17C, etc., and housed in the gear case 1D of the throttle body 1. The reduction gear mechanism 17 reduces the rotation of the electric motor 16 to reduce the valve shaft 2.
To transmit a large rotational driving force to the motor. The reduction gear mechanism 17 is provided with a holding spring (not shown) for holding the throttle valve 3 at an intermediate opening position shown in FIG.

Thus, when the wire drum 10 is turned in the directions indicated by arrows A1 and A2 according to the operation amount of the accelerator pedal 11, as shown in FIG.
Is driven by an electric motor 16 or the like against the holding spring, and together with a throttle lever 19 described later, the wire drum 1 is driven.
It turns in the directions indicated by arrows B1 and B2 corresponding to the turning angle of 0.
As a result, the opening of the throttle valve 3 (throttle opening) is controlled to a size corresponding to the accelerator operation amount except during traction control described later.

Reference numeral 18 denotes a backup device as backup means disposed between the throttle valve 3 and the rotating device 5. As shown in FIG. When the driving force of the electric motor 16 becomes invalid, the throttle valve 3 is forcibly opened using the operation force of the accelerator pedal 11.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a throttle lever formed of a long metal plate or the like to constitute the backup device 18. The throttle lever 19 has a base end provided with a mounting nut 20 or the like for the valve shaft 2 as shown in FIG. It is fixed to the other end side in a detent state, and the front end side protrudes radially from the valve shaft 2.
Further, an engagement pin 19 </ b> A for the extension lever 22 is provided on the distal end side of the throttle lever 19 so as to protrude in the axial direction.

Here, the throttle lever 19 is previously mounted on the valve shaft 2 with a predetermined positional relationship with the throttle valve 3, and when the throttle valve 3 is at the intermediate opening position, it is arranged at the position shown by the solid line in FIG. Has been established. When the throttle valve 3 is rotated between the closed position and the fully opened position, the throttle lever 19 is moved between the closed position shown by the phantom line in FIG. 6 and the fully opened position shown in FIG. And rotates integrally with the throttle valve 3.

Reference numeral 21 denotes a throttle operating mechanism serving as a rotation transmitting means provided in the rotating device 5. The throttle operating mechanism 21 includes an extension lever 22, a spring 25, and the like, which will be described later, as shown in FIG. ing.

The slot operating mechanism 21 includes the electric motor 16, the reduction gear mechanism 17, and the control unit 2.
When the driving force of the electric motor 16 has expired due to a failure of the valve drive system composed of the valve 8 or the like, the operation force of the accelerator pedal 11 by the driver is mechanically transmitted to the throttle lever 19 via the rotating device 5. Thus, the backup device 18 is configured together with the throttle lever 19.

Reference numeral 22 denotes an overhang lever formed of a long, substantially triangular metal plate or the like and serving as a lever member of the present invention. The overhang lever 22 has a base end side as shown in FIGS. The sliding cylinder 23 is fixed to the outer peripheral side of the sliding cylinder 23, and is slidably fitted to the outer peripheral side of the bearing 6 F of the mounting frame 6 via the bush 24. Thereby, the overhang lever 22
Is provided so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the rotating shaft 9 (wire drum 10).

The projecting lever 22 projects radially from the rotating shaft 9 with a predetermined projecting dimension so that the distal end can be engaged with the throttle lever 19. Further, the extension lever 22 is provided with a locking portion 22A for the spring 25 and a substantially triangular projection 22B located on the distal end side.

Here, the extension lever 22 is urged in the direction of arrow C1 toward the stopper 10C of the wire drum 10 by a spring 25 provided between the extension lever 22 and the wire drum 10. As a result, the overhang lever 22 is not protruded by the projection lever 22 except when pushed by the throttle lever 19.
When the driver holds down the accelerator pedal 11 while holding the state in which B is in contact with the stopper 10C of the wire drum 10, the wire rotates integrally with the wire drum 10 in the direction of arrow A1 in FIG. .

In this case, the extension lever 22 is disposed in advance with a predetermined positional relationship with the throttle lever 19, and the wire drum 10 is rotated from a minimum rotation position to a predetermined rotation angle (for example, 10 ° to 30 °). Until the rotation is made larger than that, the state in which the throttle lever 19 is kept away from the throttle lever 19 is maintained. Also, when the throttle valve 3 is driven by the electric motor 16 or the like in accordance with the accelerator operation amount, the overhang lever 22 rotates with the throttle lever 1.
9 and does not engage as described later.

On the other hand, when the driving force of the electric motor 16 expires, as shown in FIG.
1, the throttle lever 19 remains stationary at the intermediate opening position together with the throttle valve 3, so that the extension lever 22
By rotating together therewith, the engagement pin 19A of the throttle lever 19 is engaged.

Reference numeral 25 denotes a spring which is mounted on the outer periphery of the other end side of the rotating shaft 9 via a spring holding member 26 or the like and serves as transmission means at the time of expiration of the present invention. The spring 25 is shown in FIGS. As described above, it is disposed between the spring holding member 26 and the extension lever 22 between the support portions 6B and 6C of the mounting frame 6. The spring 25 has one end hooked to the stopper 10A of the wire drum 10 and the other end hooked to the locking portion 22A of the extension lever 22.

Here, the spring force of the spring 25 acting on the extension lever 22 is larger than the urging force of the throttle valve 3 urged by the holding spring of the reduction gear mechanism 17 in the direction of arrow B2 in FIG. The throttle valve 3 is set in advance so as to be smaller than the driving force driven by the electric motor 16 or the like in the direction of arrow B2.

With this arrangement, when the driving force of the electric motor 16 has expired, when the extension lever 22 rotates together with the wire drum 10 in the direction of arrow A1 in FIG. The rotation of the drum 10 is transmitted to the throttle lever 19 through the extension lever 22 by the spring force of the spring 25, and the throttle lever 19 is forcibly rotated in the direction of arrow B1 by the extension lever 22 against the holding spring. .

As a result, as shown in FIG.
When the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 11 to the maximum position, the throttle opening mechanism 21 mechanically opens the valve to a backup opening position (see FIG. 14) as shown in FIG. Hold the throttle opening. Here, the backup opening position can be easily adjusted by, for example, changing the shape, relative arrangement, and the like of the throttle lever 19, the overhang lever 22, and the like.

On the other hand, when the throttle lever 19 is rotated by the electric motor 16 and engages with the extension lever 22, the spring force of the spring 25 is set smaller than the driving force of the electric motor 16. The lever 22 pivots relative to the wire drum 10 against the spring 25 in the direction of arrow C2 in FIG. Thus, the spring 25 is configured to allow the electric motor 16 to preferentially rotate the throttle lever 19 regardless of the position of the extension lever 22.

Reference numeral 27 denotes a throttle sensor provided on the sensor case 1E side of the throttle body 1. The throttle sensor 27 is constituted by a potentiometer substantially similar to the operation amount sensor 15 as shown in FIG.
Is detected as the throttle opening and a detection signal is output to the control unit 28.

Reference numeral 28 denotes a control unit for controlling the engine provided in the vehicle.
As shown in FIG. 1, the input side is connected to the operation amount sensor 15, the throttle sensor 27, and the like, and the output side is connected to the electric motor 16 and the like. Then, the control unit 28 outputs a drive signal corresponding to the accelerator operation amount to the electric motor 16 according to the detection signal from the operation amount sensor 15, and rotates the throttle valve 3 by the electric motor 16 or the like according to the accelerator operation amount. . Thereby, the control unit 28 controls the engine speed according to the accelerator operation amount and the like.

The control unit 28 has a function for controlling the idling operation of the vehicle. At the time of the idling operation control, the operation amount sensor 15 or the like detects that the driver has released the operation of the accelerator pedal 11. Then, in this state, the throttle valve 3 is controlled to be opened and closed by the electric motor 16 or the like in order to maintain the engine speed at a predetermined constant speed, and the engine is idle until the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 11. Control the speed.

Further, the control unit 28 has a function for controlling the traction of the vehicle.
At the time of this traction control, for example, when it is detected that a vehicle wheel (drive wheel) slips due to slippage or the like, the throttle valve 3 is closed by the electric motor 16 or the like even when the driver is depressing the accelerator pedal 11. This is forcibly driving in the direction to temporarily reduce the tractive force (driving force) of the vehicle to avoid slipping when the vehicle starts or when the vehicle is running.

The electric throttle device according to the present embodiment has the above-described configuration, and its operation will now be described.

First, when the driver releases the operation of the accelerator pedal 11 during operation of the engine, the throttle valve 3 is controlled by the idle operation control of the control unit 28, for example, to keep the engine speed constant while the vehicle is stopped. Is opened and closed. In this case, the extension lever 22
As shown in FIG. 6, the position of the wire drum 10 is kept away from the throttle lever 19 corresponding to the minimum rotation position of the wire drum 10.

When the driver steps on the accelerator pedal 11, the operating force is transmitted to the wire drum 10 via the wire 12, and the wire drum 10 responds to the accelerator operation amount against the return spring 13. Rotated by an angle. When the operation amount sensor 15 detects the rotation angle of the wire drum 10, the control unit 2
The control unit 28 outputs a drive signal corresponding to the accelerator operation amount to the electric motor 16 in accordance with the detection signal from the operation amount sensor 15.

Thus, the throttle valve 3 is driven by the electric motor 16 via the reduction gear mechanism 17 and the like.
The opening and closing are controlled by the control unit 28 so that the opening degree corresponds to the accelerator operation amount.

At this time, the extension lever 22 rotates in the directions indicated by arrows A1 and A2 in FIG. 7 in accordance with the accelerator operation amount in a state of being integrated with the wire drum 10, and the throttle lever 19 is electrically operated. The motor 16 rotates in the directions indicated by arrows B1 and B2 without engaging with the extension lever 22.

Here, for example, when the wheels (drive wheels) slip during starting or running of the vehicle, the traction control of the control unit 28 may drive the throttle valve 3 in the valve closing direction. In this case, even when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 11, the throttle valve 3 is forcibly driven in the valve closing direction by the electric motor 16 or the like.

As a result, the throttle lever 19 is also turned in the direction of arrow B2 in FIG. 8 to engage with the extension lever 22 located at a position corresponding to the accelerator operation amount. Even when the wire drum 10 is held at a fixed position by the accelerator operation of the driver, the spring 25
Relative to the wire drum 10 in the direction of arrow C2. As a result, the throttle lever 19 can be preferentially rotated in the direction of arrow B2 without transmitting the rotational force to the wire drum 10.

On the other hand, if the driving force of the electric motor 16 becomes invalid due to a failure of the valve drive system or the like, the throttle valve 3 is moved by the holding spring provided on the reduction gear mechanism 17 to the intermediate opening position in FIG. It will be in a stationary state. Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 9, when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 11 greatly, the extension lever 22 rotates with the wire drum 10 in the direction of arrow A1 to engage the throttle lever 19. Then, the throttle valve 3 is pointed to by an arrow B1 through the throttle lever 19.
It can be forced to rotate in the direction.

As a result, the driver operates the accelerator pedal 11
When the pedal is depressed to the maximum position, the throttle valve 3
As shown in FIG. 10, when the operating force of the accelerator pedal 11 is transmitted via the wire drum 10, the overhang lever 22, the throttle lever 19, and the like, it is largely turned to the backup opening position in FIG. You.

When the driver releases the operation of the accelerator pedal 11, the throttle valve 3 is returned to the intermediate opening position by the holding spring of the reduction gear mechanism 17. Therefore, the driver opens and closes the throttle valve 3 between the intermediate opening position and the backup opening position in accordance with the operation amount of the accelerator pedal 11 even when the driving force of the electric motor 16 has expired. And acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle can be arbitrarily performed.

Thus, in this embodiment, the backup device 18 including the throttle lever 19 and the throttle operating mechanism 21 is provided on the throttle body 1 together with the accelerator operation amount detecting device 4, and the throttle operating mechanism 21 is engaged with the throttle lever 19. Extendable lever 22 provided
And the spring 25 and the like disposed between the extension lever 22 and the wire drum 10, so that when the driving force of the electric motor 16 becomes invalid due to a failure of the valve driving system or the like, the driver can use the accelerator pedal. Can be reliably engaged with the throttle lever 19 by rotating the extension lever 22 which rotates together with the wire drum 10, and the throttle valve 3 is forcibly moved in the valve opening direction via the throttle lever 19. It can be turned around.

Therefore, even if the driving force of the electric motor 16 has expired, the driver can operate the accelerator pedal 11 almost in the same manner as in the normal state, and can stably hold the intake air amount of the engine. The throttle opening can be adjusted by the backup device 18 so that the opening corresponds to the accelerator operation amount, and acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle can be arbitrarily performed. Thereby, the electric motor 16
Even when driving in a backup state due to a failure of the vehicle, the drivability of the vehicle can be greatly improved compared to the conventional technology, safety,
Reliability can be reliably increased.

Further, since the backup device 18 is constituted by the throttle lever 19, the device extension lever 22, the spring 25, and the like, the complicated clutch mechanism for backup and the switching device thereof are electrically driven as in other prior arts. This eliminates the necessity of being provided in the throttle device, so that the structure of the backup device 18 can be simplified, the size of the electric throttle device can be reduced, and workability during assembly can be improved.

Further, the extension lever 22 is connected to the wire drum 1
The throttle valve 3 is provided by the electric motor 16 or the like when the accelerator pedal 11 is depressed, for example, during traction control. Even when driven in the valve closing direction, the throttle lever 19 can be preferentially rotated by the relative rotation of the extension lever 22.

As a result, the turning operation of the throttle valve 3 is hindered by the overhang lever 22, and the driving force of the electric motor 16 in the valve closing direction is released via the overhang lever 22, the wire drum 10, the wire 12 and the like. Pedal 11
Can be prevented from being transmitted to the throttle valve 3
Can be driven stably by the electric motor 16 or the like,
The operation (kickback) of the accelerator pedal 11 trying to return by the driving force of the electric motor 16 against the driver's operation force can be reliably prevented.

In this case, since the spring force of the spring 25 is set to be larger than the urging force of the holding spring of the reduction gear mechanism 17 and smaller than the driving force of the electric motor 16, the extension lever 22 is turned. When the throttle lever 19 is engaged, the rotation of the throttle lever 19 is prevented by the spring force of the spring 25 against the holding spring.
9, when the throttle lever 19 is rotated and engaged with the extension lever 22, the rotation is stabilized by the driving force of the electric motor 16 against the spring 25 to the extension lever 22. Can be communicated

Further, until the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 11 greatly in a state where the driving force of the electric motor 16 has expired, the extension lever 22 is kept at a position away from the throttle lever 19. Therefore, when the driving force of the electric motor 16 is normal, the throttle lever 19 is
6 can be reliably prevented from engaging with the extension lever 22 when the motor 1 is rotated.
6 can be reduced, and its durability can be increased.

On the other hand, the accelerator operation amount detecting device 4 is connected to the valve shaft 2
In the direction of the axis XX, the electric motor 16 is provided on the opposite side to the reduction gear mechanism 17, and the axis XX of the valve shaft 2 and the axis YY of the electric motor 16 are arranged in parallel.
Since the electric motor 16 and the accelerator operation amount detecting device 4 are arranged on the throttle body 1 in a state where the dimension L formed therebetween is reduced, the external dimensions of the electric throttle device are changed to the axis XX of the valve shaft 2. The size can be reduced in the direction, and the electric throttle device having the electric motor 16 and the accelerator operation amount detecting device 4 can be formed compact.

The rotating device 5 comprises a mounting frame 6, a rotating shaft 9, a wire drum 10 and the like.
The stopper 10A on the minimum side of 0 is also used as a hook for the spring 25, and the stopper 10C for the extension lever 22 is provided on the wire drum 10. Therefore, the rotation displacement of the rotation shaft 9 can be reliably used as the accelerator operation amount. And the number of components related to the backup device 18 can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced.

Next, FIGS. 15 to 23 show the second embodiment of the present invention.
This embodiment is characterized in that the backup rotation transmitting means is constituted by a drive lever, a driven lever, a link mechanism, and the like. Note that, in the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

Reference numeral 31 denotes a throttle body of the electric throttle device according to the present embodiment.
Is substantially the same as the throttle body 1 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. The throttle body 31 includes a throttle chamber 31A in which the throttle valve 3 is rotatably provided via the valve shaft 2, a motor housing case 31B in which the electric motor 16 is housed, and an accelerator operation amount detecting device 3 described later.
3, a gear case (not shown) that is located at one end of the valve shaft 2 and houses the reduction gear mechanism 17, and a throttle sensor that is located at the other end of the valve shaft 2. 2
7 and the like.

Further, the throttle body 31 is integrally provided with a support portion 32 for rotatably supporting a driven lever 46 described later. The support portion 32 is provided between a rotation shaft 37 and the valve shaft 2 described later. Located at the throttle body 31 from the valve shaft 2
Project in the axial direction.

33 is a pedestal 31 of the throttle body 31
The accelerator operation amount detection device 33 provided in C includes a rotation device 34 and an operation amount sensor 15 described later.

Reference numeral 34 denotes a rotating device as a rotating means constituting the accelerator operation amount detecting device 33. The rotating device 34
As shown in FIGS. 16 and 19, the configuration is almost the same as that of the rotating device 5 according to the first embodiment. The rotating device 34 is attached to the pedestal portion 31C of the throttle body 31 by using attachment bolts 35 and the like, and is a plate-shaped attachment portion 36A detachably attached and a support portion 36B integrally formed with the attachment portion 36A. , 36C, and supporting portions 36B, 36C of the mounting frame 36
A rotating shaft 37 rotatably supported via bearings and the like,
A wire drum 38 fixed to the rotating shaft 37 in a detented state and rotating integrally with the rotating shaft 37;
A return spring 39 is disposed between the mounting frame 36 and the mounting frame 36 and urges the wire drum 38 against the mounting frame 36 in the direction of arrow A4 in FIG.

A stopper 36D for the wire drum 38 and an adjusting screw 40 are provided on the mounting frame 36, and an operation amount sensor similar to that of the first embodiment for detecting the rotation displacement of the rotation shaft 37 is provided. 15 are attached. Further, the wire drum 38 includes a minimum stopper 38A that determines the minimum rotation position of the wire drum 38 shown in FIG. 19 and a maximum stopper 38B that determines the maximum rotation position of the wire drum 38 shown in FIG. A distal end side of a wire 12 projecting in the radial direction and extending from the accelerator pedal 11 is wound on the outer peripheral side as shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 41 denotes a throttle valve 3 and a rotating device 34.
The backup device 41 is a backup device disposed between the backup device 41 and the backup device 1 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG.
8, a throttle lever 42 and a throttle operation mechanism 44, which will be described later.

Reference numeral 42 denotes a throttle lever formed of a metal plate or the like to constitute the backup device 41. As shown in FIG. 16, the throttle lever 42 has a base end on the other end side of the valve shaft 2 via a mounting nut 43 and the like, as shown in FIG. , And the distal end side protrudes radially from the valve shaft 2. However, the length of the throttle lever 42 is shorter than the throttle lever 19 according to the first embodiment.

The throttle lever 42 is arranged at the position shown in FIG. 19 when the throttle valve 3 is at the intermediate opening position, and the throttle valve 3 is turned between the closed position and the fully opened position. Sometimes, it rotates integrally with the throttle valve 3 between a position at the time of valve closing shown in FIG. 21 and a position at the time of full opening shown by a virtual line in FIG.

Reference numeral 44 denotes a throttle operating mechanism as a rotation transmitting means constituting the backup device 41 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, the throttle operating mechanism 44 includes a driving lever 45, a driven lever 46, The throttle body 31 includes a link mechanism 49, a spring 54, and the like, and is provided together with the accelerator operation amount detection device 33.

Reference numeral 45 denotes a drive lever which constitutes a lever member of the present invention together with the driven lever 46 and the link mechanism 49. The drive lever 45 has a base end integrally fixed to the wire drum 38 as shown in FIGS. The rotation shaft 37 is attached together with the wire drum 38 to the outer peripheral side of the rotation shaft 37 in a detented state, and is configured to rotate integrally with the rotation shaft 37. Further, the tip side of the drive lever 45 is the rotating shaft 3.
7 protrudes radially with a certain length dimension.

Reference numeral 46 denotes a substantially U-shaped driven lever formed of an elongated metal plate or the like. As shown in FIGS. 16 to 19, the driven lever 46 is provided at a position near the throttle lever 42 to support the throttle body 31. 32 is rotatably mounted on the distal end side of the support portion 32 by a mounting pin 47 protruding from the drive lever 32, and is disposed between the drive lever 45 and the throttle lever 42.

Here, the driven lever 46 is attached to a mounting pin 47.
And left and right arms formed by bending both ends of the extending portion 46A at substantially right angles, and disposed at intervals in the length direction of the mounting pin 47. The extended portion 46A is disposed at a position facing the throttle lever 42 with the mounting pin 47 interposed therebetween.

The left and right arms 46B and 46C of the arm 46B located on the left side in FIG. 17 have their distal ends extending toward the mounting pin 47, and together with the spring holding member 48, the outer peripheral side of the mounting pin 47. Is mounted to be rotatable. Further, the right arm 46C is connected to the left arm 4
6B, and the intermediate portion in the length direction is rotatably mounted on the outer peripheral side of the mounting pin 47 together with another spring holding member 48. The arm portion 46C has a tip end extending toward the throttle lever 42 beyond the mounting pin 47, and an engagement pin 46D serving as an engagement portion for the throttle lever 42 is provided on the tip end side so as to protrude in the axial direction. I have.

Further, as shown in FIG. 20, the driven lever 46 has a spring 54 between itself and a second link 53 to be described later.
, The extended portion 46A maintains a state in which the extended portion 46A is in contact with the stopper 53A of the second link 53 except when pushed by the throttle lever 42.
Around the second link 53.

In this state, when the driver operates the accelerator pedal 11, the rotation of the wire drum 38 which rotates in the directions indicated by arrows A3 and A4 in FIG.
5, transmitted to the driven lever 46 via the link mechanism 49, etc., and the driven lever 46
, D2.

When the operation of the accelerator pedal 11 is released and the wire drum 38 is at the minimum rotation position, the driven lever 46 maintains the minimum position shown in FIG.
In this state, when the throttle valve 3 is at the intermediate opening position, the engagement pin 46D of the driven lever 46 is configured to slightly contact the throttle lever 42.

As a result, when the throttle valve 3 is driven by the electric motor 16 or the like in the valve closing direction from the intermediate opening position, the throttle lever 42 is engaged with the driven lever 46 at the minimum position. At this time, as shown in FIG. 21, the driven lever 46 is rotated by the throttle lever 42 in the direction of arrow D2 relative to the second link 53 against the spring 54 by being pushed by the throttle lever 42.
As a result, the throttle lever 42 can rotate in the direction of arrow B4.

Further, the driven lever 46 is operated by the driver to depress the accelerator pedal 11 greatly, and
When the motor 8 rotates to the maximum rotation position, the motor 8 rotates in the direction of arrow D1 to the maximum position shown in FIG.

As a result, when the driving force of the electric motor 16 has expired, when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 11, the engaging pin 46D of the driven lever 46 which rotates in the direction of arrow D1 in FIG. Engages with the throttle lever 42 which is stationary at the intermediate opening position, and forcibly rotates the throttle valve 3 in the valve opening direction via the throttle lever 42. Thus, when the driven lever 46 is rotated to the maximum position, the throttle valve 3 is opened to a predetermined backup opening position.

Reference numeral 49 denotes a link mechanism provided between the drive lever 45 and the driven lever 46.
As shown in FIGS. 17 and 20, a first link 51 rotatably connected to a distal end side of a driving lever 45 via a connecting pin 50, and a connecting pin 52 connected to a distal end side of the first link 51.
, And a second link 53 rotatably connected through the second link 53, and a distal end side of the second link 53 extends toward the driven lever 46.

Here, the first link 51 is formed of an elongated metal plate or the like bent in an L-shape with opposite ends on both ends, and an intermediate portion in the length direction is provided along the mounting pin 47. The second link 53 is also formed of a slender metal plate or the like, and a stopper 53A which is located at one end in the width direction and is bent substantially vertically is integrally formed at the tip end side. Further, the second link 53 is rotatably mounted on the mounting pin 47 at a portion closer to the distal end side, and the stopper 53A is arranged so as to be able to abut the extended portion 46A of the driven lever 46 or the like. Also, the first
The ring 51 and the second link 53 are formed to be long, for example, about twice as long as the driven lever 46 (arm part 46C) in the radial direction of the valve shaft 2.

When the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 11, when the drive lever 45 is first turned together with the wire drum 38 from the position shown in FIG. 19 to the position shown in FIG. The movement is via the first link 51 to the base end side of the second link 53 (connection pin 52).
As a result, the second link 53 rotates together with the driven lever 46 about the mounting pin 47 in the direction indicated by the arrow D1 in FIG. As a result, the rotation of the wire drum 38 is controlled by the drive lever 45, the first link 51, and the second link 5.
3 to the driven lever 46.

Reference numeral 54 denotes a spring which is located on the outer peripheral side of the mounting pin 47 and which is mounted between the left and right spring holding members 48 and serves as a transmission means at the time of expiration of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 17 and FIG.
6 is hooked on the extending portion 46A, and the other end is the second link 5A.
3 is hung on the stopper 53A. The spring 54 applies an initial load (spring force) to the driven lever 46 and the second link 53 in a direction in which the extended portion 46A and the stopper 53A come into contact with each other.

In this case, the spring force of the spring 54 urges the driven lever 46 against the second link 53 in the direction indicated by the arrow D1 in FIG. 20, and engages the engaging pin 46D with the throttle lever 42. It works in the direction to make it. The spring force of the spring 54 is set in advance so as to be larger than the urging force of the holding spring of the reduction gear mechanism 17 for holding the throttle valve 3 at the intermediate opening position and smaller than the driving force of the electric motor 16. ing.

Thus, in a state where the driving force of the electric motor 16 has expired, when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 11, the rotation of the wire drum 38 causes the spring 54 to rotate.
Is transmitted to the throttle lever 42 via the driven lever 46 and the like, and the throttle lever 42 is forcibly rotated by the driven lever 46 against the holding spring.

When the throttle lever 42 is rotated by the electric motor 16 or the like in the valve closing direction from the intermediate opening position, the driven lever 46 is pushed by the throttle lever 42, and the second lever 46 is pressed against the spring 54. By rotating relative to the link 53 in the direction of arrow D2 in FIG.
The throttle lever 42 is configured to rotate preferentially.

The electric throttle device according to the present embodiment has the above-described configuration, and its operation will be described below.

First, in a state where the driver has released the operation of the accelerator pedal 11, when the throttle valve 3 is opened and closed by the idling operation control of the control unit 28, the throttle lever 42 is accordingly moved, for example, as shown in FIG. It rotates in the direction of arrow B4 in FIG. 21 and engages with the driven lever 46 at the minimum position corresponding to the accelerator operation amount. In this case, the driven lever 46 is
The second spring against the spring 54
Rotation relative to the link 53 in the direction of arrow D2 allows the throttle lever 42 to rotate preferentially in the valve closing direction regardless of the position of the driven lever 46.

When the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 11, when the wire drum 38 rotates in the directions indicated by arrows A3 and A4 in FIG. 19 according to the operation amount of the accelerator pedal 11, the throttle valve 3 is controlled. The opening and closing are driven by the unit 28 via the electric motor 16 and the like so as to have an opening corresponding to the accelerator operation amount, whereby the throttle lever 42 rotates in the directions of arrows B3 and B4.

Further, in this state, when the throttle valve 3 is driven in the valve closing direction by the traction control of the control unit 28, the throttle lever 42 is moved to the position shown in FIG.
By rotating in the direction indicated by the arrow B4 in FIG. 2, the driven lever 46 is engaged with the driven lever 46 at a position corresponding to the accelerator operation amount, and rotates in the valve closing direction while pushing the driven lever 46.

On the other hand, when the driving force of the electric motor 16 has expired, as shown in FIG. 23, when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 11, the drive lever 45 moves together with the wire drum 38 in accordance with the accelerator operation amount. Rotate in the direction indicated by A3. As a result, the rotation of the drive lever 45 is transmitted to the second link 53 via the first link 51, and the second link 53 rotates together with the driven lever 46 in the direction of arrow D1.

As a result, the driven lever 46 is engaged with the throttle lever 42, and the throttle lever 42 is
Since the throttle valve 3 is forcibly rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow B3 in the middle, the throttle valve 3 is opened and closed between the intermediate opening position and the backup opening position in accordance with the accelerator operation amount.

Thus, in the present embodiment configured as described above, it is possible to obtain substantially the same operation and effect as in the first embodiment, and to operate the vehicle when the driving force of the electric motor 16 expires. Performance can be greatly improved.

In this embodiment, since the link mechanism 49 is interposed between the drive lever 45 and the driven lever 46, the driven lever 46 is attached to the throttle body 31 by the mounting pin 47 at a position close to the throttle lever 42.
And the length of the throttle lever 42 with which the driven lever 46 is engaged can be made short.

As a result, during idle operation control and traction control, the throttle lever 42 is turned in the valve closing direction by the electric motor 16 or the like, and the driven lever 46
, The driving torque of the electric motor 16 can be reduced, and the electric motor 16 can be constituted by a small motor, so that energy can be saved.

Since the first link 51 and the second link 53 are formed to have a length approximately twice as long as the driven lever 46, when the driving force of the electric motor 16 expires, the acceleration pedal 11 By operating the pedal, a large rotational force can be transmitted to the driven lever 46 via the link mechanism 49, the pedal reaction force in the backup state can be reduced, and the driver's accelerator operation feeling can be improved.

In each of the above embodiments, the throttle valve 3 is held at the intermediate opening position by the holding spring of the reduction gear mechanism 17 while the driver releases the operation of the accelerator pedal 11. The present invention is not limited to this,
For example, an urging means such as a spring may be provided on the reduction gear mechanism 17 side, and the throttle valve 3 may be returned to the valve closing position by the urging means when the accelerator operation is released.

[0124]

As described above in detail, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the backup means for forcibly opening the throttle valve using the operating force of the accelerator pedal when the driving force of the valve driving means expires. Because it was configured to provide
Even if the driving force of the valve driving means has expired, the driver simply operates the accelerator pedal almost in the same manner as in normal operation,
The throttle opening can be arbitrarily adjusted according to the accelerator operation amount, so that the drivability of the vehicle in the backup state can be improved, and the safety and reliability can be reliably increased. Further, since the backup means is constituted by the throttle lever and the rotation transmitting means, the structure can be simplified, the size of the electric throttle device can be reduced, and the workability at the time of assembly can be improved. Further, the throttle valve is normally driven from one end of the valve shaft by the valve driving means, and when the driving force of the valve driving means expires, the throttle valve is forcibly rotated from the other end of the valve shaft by the rotation transmitting means and the throttle lever. Because of the structure, the electric throttle device can be made compact.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the rotation transmitting means is constituted by the lever member and the invalid transmission means, for example, when the throttle valve is driven by the valve driving means at the time of traction control, the throttle lever is moved. Rotation can be preferentially performed regardless of the position of the lever member, and the opening of the throttle valve can be controlled stably. Further, when the driving force of the valve driving means has expired, the rotation of the lever member can be reliably transmitted to the throttle lever by the invalidation transmitting means, and the throttle valve can be opened and closed in accordance with the accelerator operation amount.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, since the rotation transmitting means is constituted by the extension lever and the spring, for example, when the throttle lever is rotated by the valve driving means during traction control, the rotation operation is performed. Can be permitted by the relative rotation of the extension lever, the throttle valve can be driven stably by the valve driving means, and the occurrence of kickback of the accelerator pedal and the like can be reliably prevented. When the driving force of the valve driving means has expired, the extension lever can be engaged with the throttle lever by operating the accelerator pedal, and the throttle valve is forcibly opened via the throttle lever. In addition, the opening can be surely adjusted according to the accelerator operation amount.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the extension lever is located at a position away from the throttle lever from when the driver releases the operation of the accelerator pedal until the amount of operation is increased. With the configuration, when the driving force of the valve driving unit is normal, it is possible to reliably prevent the throttle lever from engaging with the overhang lever except during traction control. In addition to being able to reduce, the durability can be increased. Also, when the driving force of the valve driving means has expired, the rotation of the wire drum can be reliably transmitted from the extension lever to the throttle lever by the spring force of the spring.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the rotation transmitting means is constituted by the drive lever, the driven lever, the link mechanism and the spring, the driven lever can be turned toward the throttle body at a position close to the throttle lever. Can be provided. Thus, for example, at the time of idling operation control or traction control, even when the throttle lever is rotated by the valve driving means and pushes the driven lever, the driving torque of the valve driving means can be reduced and the durability thereof can be improved. The opening of the valve can be controlled stably. When the driving force of the valve driving means has expired, the rotation of the driving lever can be transmitted to the throttle lever via the link mechanism and the driven lever by operating the accelerator pedal, and the opening of the throttle valve can be adjusted by the accelerator. In addition to being able to reliably adjust according to the operation amount, a large torque can be transmitted to the driven lever via the link mechanism, and the driver's accelerator operation feeling in the backup state can be improved.

Further, according to the invention of claim 6, the link mechanism is constituted by the first link and the second link, and the spring is disposed between the second link and the driven lever.
When the driving force of the valve driving means expires, the rotation of the driving lever corresponding to the accelerator operation amount can be reliably transmitted from the second link to the throttle lever by the spring force of the spring, and the throttle valve is opened stably. In addition, the rotational torque for opening and closing the throttle valve can be reduced, and energy saving can be achieved.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the turning means comprises the mounting frame, the turning shaft and the wire drum, the turning amount of the wire drum can be reliably detected as the accelerator operation amount by the operation detecting means. The throttle valve can be smoothly opened and closed by the valve driving means in accordance with the detection signal from the operation detecting means.

Further, according to the invention of claim 8, the valve driving means is constituted by an electric motor and a reduction gear mechanism,
Since the electric motor is arranged in parallel with the valve shaft and provided on the throttle body, the external dimensions of the electric throttle device can be reduced in the axial direction of the valve shaft, and the electric type having the valve driving means and the rotation transmitting means provided. The throttle device can be made compact.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a control system of a throttle valve using an electric throttle device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway plan view showing the electric throttle device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a right side view of FIG. 2 showing the electric throttle device.

FIG. 4 shows an accelerator operation amount detection device as indicated by an arrow IV in FIG.
FIG. 4 is an external view as viewed from an IV direction.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view showing the accelerator operation amount detection device together with a throttle body.

FIG. 6 shows the state where the wire drum is at the minimum rotation position and the throttle valve is at the intermediate opening position, as indicated by arrows VI-VI in FIG.
It is sectional drawing seen from the direction.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the throttle valve is driven to a fully open position by an electric motor.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the throttle lever is rotated by the electric motor and engaged with the extension lever during traction control.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the extension lever is engaged with the throttle lever in a state where the driving force of the electric motor has expired.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the throttle valve is rotated from the state shown in FIG. 9 to a backup opening position.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state where the throttle valve is in a closed position corresponding to a throttle lever shown by a virtual line in FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state where the throttle valve is at an intermediate opening position corresponding to the throttle lever shown by a solid line in FIG. 6;

13 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state where the throttle valve is in a fully open position corresponding to the throttle lever shown in FIG. 7;

14 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state where the throttle valve is at a backup opening position corresponding to the throttle lever shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is an external view showing an electric throttle device according to a second embodiment.

16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5, showing the accelerator operation amount detection device, the throttle operation mechanism, and the like in FIG. 15 partially cut away;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a main part in FIG. 16 showing a driven lever, a link mechanism, and the like of a throttle operation mechanism.

18 is a cross-sectional view of the driven lever and the like as viewed from the direction indicated by arrows XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 17;

19 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6, showing a state where the wire drum is at the minimum rotation position and the throttle valve is at the intermediate opening position.

20 is an enlarged view of a main part in FIG. 19 showing a link mechanism and the like.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a throttle lever is engaged with a driven lever during idle operation control.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a throttle lever is engaged with a driven lever during traction control.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the throttle valve has been rotated to a backup opening position in a state where the driving force of the electric motor has expired.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 31 Throttle body 1A, 31A Throttle chamber 2 Valve shaft 3 Throttle valve 5, 34 Rotating device 6, 36 Mounting frame 9, 37 Rotating shaft 10, 38 Wire drum 11 Accel pedal 12 Wire 15 Operation amount sensor 16 Electric motor 16A Output shaft 17 Reduction gear mechanism 18, 41 Backup device 19, 42 Throttle lever 21, 44 Throttle operation mechanism 22 Extension lever 25, 54 Spring 45 Drive lever 46 Follower lever 46D Engagement pin 49 Link mechanism 51 First link 53 First 2 links

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI F02D 9/02 351 F02D 9/02 351G

Claims (8)

[Claims] A throttle body having an intake passage formed therein; a throttle valve rotatably provided on the throttle body via a valve shaft to open and close the intake passage; and a throttle body provided on the throttle body. A rotating means for rotating a rotating shaft in accordance with an accelerator operation amount by being mechanically connected to an accelerator pedal provided on a vehicle; and an accelerator provided on the rotating means for controlling the rotating amount of the rotating shaft by an accelerator. Operation detection means for detecting as an operation amount and outputting a detection signal; electric valve driving means provided on the throttle body for driving the throttle valve from one axial side of the valve shaft; The throttle valve is forcibly opened using the operating force of the accelerator pedal when the driving force of the valve driving means expires. A backup lever provided on the other axial side of the valve shaft, and a throttle lever for rotating the throttle valve together with the valve shaft; and a backup lever provided on the throttle body together with the rotation unit. Normally, the throttle lever is allowed to be rotated by the valve shaft, and when the driving force by the valve driving means expires, the operating force of the accelerator pedal is transmitted to the throttle lever via the rotating means, A motor-driven throttle device comprising: a rotation transmitting means for forcibly rotating the throttle valve from the other axial side of the valve shaft. 2. The rotation transmitting means constituting the backup means includes a lever member provided on the rotation shaft and the throttle lever always being preferentially rotated by a driving force of the valve driving means. 2. The electric throttle device according to claim 1, further comprising: an invalid transmission means for transmitting the rotation of said lever member to said throttle lever when the driving force of said valve driving means expires. 3. The rotation means has a wire drum provided on the rotation shaft and connected to the accelerator pedal via a wire, and the rotation transmission means has a wire around the rotation shaft. A projecting lever provided to be rotatable relative to the drum and projecting radially so as to engage with the throttle lever, and disposed between the projecting lever and the wire drum of the rotating means; Normally, the extension lever is rotated integrally with the wire drum, and when the extension lever is rotated by the throttle lever in a state of being engaged with the throttle lever, the extension lever is extended with respect to the wire drum. The electric throttle device according to claim 1, further comprising a spring that allows the lever to relatively rotate. 4. The extension lever is located at a rotation position away from the throttle lever when the operation of the accelerator pedal is released, and when the driving force of the valve driving means has expired, the extension lever is released. 4. A configuration in which when the operation amount is increased, the rotation of the wire drum is transmitted via a spring, thereby engaging with the throttle lever and forcibly rotating the throttle lever in the opening direction of the throttle valve. 3. The electric throttle device according to claim 1. 5. The rotation transmission means is provided between the drive lever and the throttle lever so as to be rotatable on the throttle body side, the drive lever being rotated integrally with the rotation shaft. A driven mechanism having an engagement portion that engages with the throttle lever; a link mechanism provided between the driven lever and the driving lever, for rotating the driven lever following the driving lever; 2. The spring according to claim 1, further comprising a spring disposed between the link mechanism and the driven lever, wherein the spring always urges the driven lever in a direction in which an engagement portion of the driven lever is engaged with the throttle lever. Electric throttle device. 6. The link mechanism includes a first link rotatably connected to a distal end of the drive lever, and a link rotatably connected to a distal end of the first link to transmit rotation to the driven lever. The electric throttle device according to claim 5, further comprising a second link, wherein the spring is disposed with an initial load applied between the second link and the driven lever. 7. The rotating means includes: the rotating shaft; a mounting frame provided on the throttle body for rotatably supporting the rotating shaft; and the accelerator provided on the rotating shaft. 7. A wire drum connected to a pedal via a wire, wherein said operation detecting means is mounted on said mounting frame and connected to said rotating shaft. 3. The electric throttle device according to claim 1. 8. The valve driving means includes: an electric motor provided on the throttle body in parallel with the axis of the valve shaft; and an output shaft of the electric motor and one axial side of the valve shaft. 8. The electric throttle device according to claim 1, further comprising: a reduction gear mechanism disposed between the transmission shaft and the transmission to reduce the rotation of the electric motor and transmit the rotation to the valve shaft. .